Nalia/Art,Does anyoneelse notice a problem??
 

Greeting Sorors,

First off, Im new to the forum so a big ZZZZZZPHIIIII .

secondly, i was wondering if anyone noticed that some nalia vendors dont have much of a selection for our organization and SGRHO as well. I am running across alot of vendors and art suppliers that have all the latest AKA/Delta products but seem to be lacking in our direction??

BlueIce,

I'm not a soror..but being that my best friend is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, and I have a friend that is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., I have noticed that. It is like they only market to AKA's and Delta's. I like to get newer things for my friends in S-G-Rho and Zeta, but its hard to find sometimes. I have gotten lucky a few times, hopefully vendors will wake up..start selling equally for all of the sororities.

toodles
"hoping for blue"
shanna

Good topic and one of great concern to me!! I just ask the owner of the store "where is my nalia?" Just yesterday I went into an African art store and the owner had all these kente cloths for all the organizations except SGRho and Iota. They were $25 dollars a piece and I was exclaiming how nice they were. They were handwoven and from Ghana. I said, "I would love to buy one today but I don't see my, my ---" and then she said, "oh I'm so sorry. a lot of people have asked me about the blue and the gold and the other fraternity with the brown and the gold. I have them ordered and on the way."

So I have just decided that whenever I see other organizations represented I will just ask the owner for mine. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

It might be a matter of supply and demand.

If there are not many members of your organizations in the area, the vendor may be less inclined to invest money in buying items for your organizations. It might be helpful to get many of your members in that area to speak to the vendors, especially the owners, about the lack of selection. If one person every 6 months or so speaks out, then it can slip the vendor's mind, or he may feel that the demand isn't high enough.

If it seems like everyday, week, etc. , he receives requests, then it becomes very apparent to him how much business he is truly losing by not catering to your needs.

Finerwomen of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc are everywhere! Yes I have noticed that as well. 2 of the largest greek stores in Chicago have a very low inventory of our 'nalia. What I do is ask every time I go in there, and they both tell me that they can't find the stuff, hmmm. Something sounds fishy.
This brings me to another question. Why is our forum lacking? No one ever posts. I've tried to start several topics, but no one replies. I start topics on other forums and they are set on fire. I know we are out there, and well represented, so let's have some fun on GC.
Oh welcome Blueice.

Welcome to the forum, soror!!! I, too have this problem of not being able to find a good selection of paraphernalia. There is one particular shop here in Houston that i go to, and each time I have been disappointed. The Zeta section is very small, but they have everything you could want for AKA and Delta. The salespeople are usually non Greek, and when you go ask them about items they are very rude and unconcerned with comments like "that's all we have". I tell you, it's just a mess!!!

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The Women of Zeta Phi Beta...Simply Irresistible!!!!!!!!!!!

Soror, I know what stores you are talking about. Everytime I ask about getting more Zeta stuff they always say that a whole bunch of people just came and bought everything! And the shirts are always XL or XXL. I'm sorry but I'm only 125lbs, can a sista get a medium???
I don't understand what the problem is...

Soror, I know what stores you are talking about. Everytime I ask about getting more Zeta stuff they always say that a whole bunch of people just came and bought everything! And the shirts are always XL or XXL. I'm sorry but I'm only 125lbs, can a sista get a medium???

I also know which stores you are talking about. I thought I was the only person that they told that story too. It does matter when it is winter, spring, summer, or fall it's always the same.

Welcome BlueIce.

Sorry I missed the picnic Chi. I heard it was really nice.

I also know which stores you are talking about and I thought I was the only one they feed that lie too. But its okay, because everytime I go there I make sure they order something just for me.

Welcome BlueIce.

Sorry I missed the picnic Chi. I heard it was really nice.

Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I am not a soror, but I have noticed this lack of naila for not only Zetas but for Sigmas as well. I have many friends and family that are members of the Blu and White family and have a hard time finding unique gifts for them. It definately seems as though there is a bias against this soroity and fraternity. The answer to my problem was becoming creative and making the 'naila myself. My most creative gift was given to my friend that just crossed this spring. I hand painted a kitten shaped money bank and personalized it with her line name, chapter name, etc. I have also found that it is less costly, in most cases and the impact last a lifetime. It may cost a little more time and effort, but it definately is worth the trouble to have the quality. The fact that you have something that no one else has is another factor. Happy 'naila hunting!

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Be true to yourself and the rest will fall into place......

[This message has been edited by Intensify (edited July 02, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Intensify (edited July 02, 2001).]

I know this may seem strange, well actually I'm piggy-backing off of what Intensify said..make it yourself..and if its t-shirts, an excellent way to do it is through this shirt company I found on-line..you can actually design the tee's yourself..and the cost is low..so all those creative ideas you have..do it yourself!!

Shannieglass,

What is the website for the shirt company you found online to design your own t-shirts?

cool idea...if i ever join a glo you can bet i won't be frequenting many racks...BORING...i like to buy interesting clothes or clean cut classic things that don't go out of style...i saw this one site where some people had their letters spray painted on tees they designed themselves...that was really cool...

Six_Three_Sigma

the website address is http://www.customink.com

hope you use it and enjoy..i love the shirts i made..well..toodles!!

hoping for blue,
shanna

I am a Sigma Gamma Rho and when I went to school in Louisiana, I noticed the same thing. When my line went over, we could not find the things we wanted at the local Greek shop. My sorors and I must have bugged the owners day and night until Sigma Gamma Rho was all over that store. The Zetas did the same thing.

The owners like to say that we don't buy 'nalia, but I know if someone went into business, specializing in top of the line products for the royal blues (you know, like how everyone has the latest in AKA and Delta, but having the latest in Zeta, Sigma and Sigma), they could make some serious cash.

All I can say is until I get a business plan (or someone beats me to the punch), we just have to keep bugging store owners and vendors until they get the message.

Rhoyally,
TR Simon

That is so true that they are losing so much money by not having enough stuff for everyone. You would think that a light bulb would go off somewhere. It sucks that we have to bug stores to carry our merchandise...

I agree. I don't know if it is based on region (some orgs. are more popular in one region than another) or the overall size of membership internationally. But, I know that the Zeta and SGRho 'nalia selection is small...and often times limited to keychains and so forth.
Another problem that I've noticed---a whole lot of Delta and/or AKA 'nalia that I'm sure most Deltas or AKAs wouldn't wear or display. Some 'nalia are noticeably cheap and tacky. Just my $19.13.


Greek Love!

You know I was hoping it would be a regional problem, but its not. I'm in DC and they're only 2 greek stores to start with in the area and they only have that daggone wood pin and maybe 4 tshirts, and unfortuantely I like collecting figurines. I end up ordering most of my stuff of the internet, I have gotten the best ones from ebay of www.otteas.com

I agree BIG TIME!!! I collect Zeta art and I have a hard time finding good stuff.

I've found that this is the norm in most t-shirt/greekstores that don't specialize in NPHC gear. They're of the mindset that all sorority women are size 4 Cathy Co-Ed.

As a large woman myself, I usually take cute t-shirts, sweatshirts and polo shirts and have them embroidered. Then I write the manufacturers and ask that they start to carry larger sizes.

HEY ALL...go on this site called Cush.com. They have a lot of art for all greeks. But, supply is limited cause it sells so fast..good luck to ya!

Here we go with SIZE bias. Most of their women's shirts are only available in Small and Medium w/ Large or bigger available in certain sizes if at all.




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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

Is that the right URL, Soror? When I went to cush.com, I saw an automotive dealership.

UPDATE~

As of today, August 6, she still does not have them. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

Now I no longer want one http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

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Originally posted by TRUE ZETA:
HEY ALL...go on this site called Cush.com. They have a lot of art for all greeks. But, supply is limited cause it sells so fast..good luck to ya!
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SoTrue1920:
Is that the right URL, Soror? When I went to cush.com, I saw an automotive dealership.
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hey sorors and sisterfriends, the site is www.cushcity.com.

Sorors!!
This topic hits so close to home. When I go to buy Zeta para, I see the same old designs in every single store. Also, the stores in my area seem to think that all Zetas are XL or XXL. I spoke with the owner and he had the nerve to say that most of his Zeta customers wear that size. I said well look at me, do you suggest a XL or a XXL? People are different sizes. Carry different sizes.
Also, the art!! Can some artist please draw a picture with desent looking representations of Zeta?? We have different hair lengths and shades of color. I find too many stereotypical images.
Keep demanding sorors, they will listen.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ChaosDST:

Another problem that I've noticed---a whole lot of Delta and/or AKA 'nalia that I'm sure most Deltas or AKAs wouldn't wear or display. Some 'nalia are noticeably cheap and tacky.

AMEN, Soror!!! I wish that I lived wherever everyone is saying that they only see a whole lot of Delta and AKA merchandise, because where I live (in Columbia, SC) there really isn't a good selection of 'nalia for any BGLO. Not only is there not a good selection, but there really isn't even a whole lot of stuff at all in greek stores. Whatever they do have is VERY expensive. I get most of my 'nalia off of the internet and I really don't even plan on ordering anything else, because I've found that the stuff I make for myself (like picture frames,paddles, t-shirts, halters, decorative jeans, jackets and keychains) get me more attention and compliments than the 'nalia that I paid good money for. Also African-American sponsored events in my area carry some decent 'nalia and it's reasonably priced. The Heritage Festival, Gullah Festival and the Black-Expo always have vendors and they can usually be bargained with. So keep your eyes out for events such as these in your area and get CREATIVE.



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"22 Resurrected Jewels of DiSTinction"
Gamma Pi '01
Columbia College
4/12/01

Hey all..

I dont know if anyone has ever checked it out..but I ran across a website that has some cute items..http://1greek2another.com/ you might want to check it out

toodles!!

Hey all..

I dont know if anyone has ever checked it out..but I ran across a website that has some cute items..http://1greek2another.com/ you might want to check it out

toodles!!

internet
 

Hello Ladies! As a true shop-a-holic, I had to crash the forum on this one. I have found that the best way to go is the internet, especially if you are trying to get new items for a whole chapter. I have used several different sites, with varying results. Has anyone here tried greek101.com???? I know they provided items for the MTV sorority life/fraternity life, but I have never talked/emailed w/ anyone who ordered from them.

:)

I remember going to Sister to Sister in DC, and there being a lot of vendors who had a nice selection of stuff for each of the Fab Four. One vendor only focused on AKA and DST, I'd noticed as I looked at her display. When she saw that I hadnt moved, she asked me if I needed assistance, I told her no. She then offered me a card, which I declined. I then told her that I could see that she had no Zeta items so my money and I were going elsewhere. (I was broker than broke, but ya'll get my point). :p How you gonna be at an event for all four sororities and not have all four showcased? :mad: :confused: THAT doesnt make sense.

And the sad thing is that some of the stuff she had was really CUTE, but if I dont see ZFB anywhere, then I dont buy. PERIOD.

If we see things that are good, then we need to let other members know. When we see things that are bad, we need to let the OWNERS know and tell others. It's a business, they respond to money.

And not all Zetas (or AKAS or SGRhos or Deltas) are XXL. I wear a medium and cant find a shirt to save my life sometimes. Why not just pack a few of EACH size, how about doing that? :rolleyes:

I attend the 18th Annual Art Expo in Philadelphia this past Saturday. I stopped by an art vendor that had AKA and DST and asked why weren't there any for Zeta's and SGRho's. He said they never sell Zeta or SGRho so that don't carry them with them to every event.

He also told me how the artist did extensive research and found that AKA and DST would purchase his artwork.

I told him that it's hard for me to believe that this "extensive" research revealed that Zetas and SGRhos wouldn't purchase his artwork. (It's the series with a woman posing on a pedestal).

I have found the internet is the best resource for getting stuff at a reasonable price w/o the hassle of trying to convince someone to carry your stuff. My sorority usually orders from www.somethinggreek.com or www.greekgiftsetc.com. Another place that has come really cute stuff is www.joetoga.com, but they take about 2 weeks to get your stuff out.

Sounds to me like he was full of a lot of "extensive" stuff!!! :rolleyes:

I have that picture "The Five Pearls" on my wall at home.

I have found that decent Zeta nalia is hard to come by on a daily basis. So now, I just wait until conferences to buy. I was able to get a good amount of nalia at the Atlantic Regional Conference last month. Look out Boule!

Quite a few of my chapter Sorors like to make things by hand also. I made a T-Shirt that only cost about $9-that included the shirt and the decals.

I was at the Atlantic Regional Conference! There were a lot of nice things there!!!

:D

Awwww! I wish I had known!!! Were you, by any chance, at the Life Members Dinner?

I was there too! The Soror from TX had a LOT of good stuff there.
I'm waiting to get the Zeta throw blanket.

No, I was at the Awards Banquet and the workshops.

whats up ladies
if you 're having troble finding wood work then hit me up with an e-mail and i can send you some pic of the things i make
i'm getting a web site built. and a catalog done hopefully before the end of the year
e-mail me at
thegreekspot@hotmail.com

Jyhad
the only person who has never failed, is the one who has never tried